How does being a vegetarian help the environment?

There are three big areas: Fossil fuel usage, efficiency of land usage and greenhouse gas production:

A large amount of fossil fuel is used for animal agricultural - up to 1/3 of the USA total usage.

To raise an animal for slaughter, the animal must be fed on vegetable food - much of which (soya and grains) could be eaten directly; greatly improving the usage of agricultural land.

A significant source of greenhouse gases are produced by food animals - cows in particular "burp" methane.

First answer by Apepper. Last edit by Apepper. Contributor trust: 119 [recommend contributor]. Question popularity: 1 [recommend question]